Cuneiform tablet
This tablet of baked-clay is lengthily inscribed on both sides with cuneiform script. While some of the passages are unclear in places, the tables have been largely deciphered. It is a letter from the King of Ugarit, ‘Amorabi’, to the King of Cyprus, (the ancient name for Cyprus is Alasia.)
Translation of the text:
"Say to the King of Alasia, my father:
King of Ugarit, your son, in this manner, speaks
I bow in front of my father's legs
Peace is for my father
Lots and lots of peace
For your houses, for your wives, for your soldiers
And for all possessions of the King of Alasia, my father.
O my father!
Only, the ships of the enemy came,
They burned some of my cities
And practiced unpleasant deeds
in the country
Father, you do not know that all my soldiers…
Centralize in the Hittite countries
And all my ships are anchoring in Leqipean countries
And until now they do not return to me
So the country has no protection
May father know all that!
O my god! Seven ships of the enemy attacked me,
And made so much damage
And now, let me, in any way, know
If there are more ships of the enemy
May I know?"
This letter from the king of Ugarit to the king of Cyprus shows the respectful and honoring styles of communication at the time. The King of Ugarit calls on the King of Cyprus as his old father and informs him of the challenging situation that has befallen his kingdom. He explains his dilemma – his ships are anchored far and his country has no protection. He requests information, does the enemy plan to attack again?